How to get the BEST VOCAL SOUND from your HOME STUDIO

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How to get the BEST VOCAL SOUND from your HOME STUDIO.
I caught up with Mike McCarthy from Manuka Studios up in Orewa, just above Auckland, New Zealand, to chat about home studio recording, and how to get the best vocal sound from your mic and setup when recording at home.
We chat through various common 'mistakes' or problems, that can ruin an otherwise great recording, and cover the following points during the video.
Intro 0:00
1. Distortion/Clipping 2:19
2. Popping/Plosives 5:48
3. Mic Placement 8:35
4. Sibilance 18:02
You can find more information about Mike and his work at www.ManukaStudios.co.nz
***LIMITED TIME OFFER.
Mike has generously offered to master a home-recorded track for the silly price of $50 + GST, as long as you mention this video when getting in contact.
This is a limited offer in conjunction with this video and the mix must be sent through as a stereo wav file.
Please feel free to contact me (David) if you have any questions about this. Also, please note this offer will be removed at some stage. If you're recording tracks at home and want to improve your overall sound this is an excellent way to work by having the final mastering polish done in a professional studio.
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[@meysamesfahaniofficialmeys557]

Learned more about my problem here then a at least 100 other videos I watched.

[@davidshanhun]

cool! I'm glad it was helpful to you!

[@tronlady1]

I don't believe that for a second dude! This is vocal recoding 101. I can't believe you even watched 100 videos on vocal recording lol!!!! It is a very good video though :o)

[@nathanwahl9224]

@@davidshanhun This is my first one, so I guess thanks for saving me from having to watch 100 videos!

[@TheFinalRevelation2]

I have never seen a single video teach so much as this one. Mind blowing. Say thanks to him from me.

[@barkerboberly9867]

bro fr i took notes this shit is a god send

[@magrumb]

I’ve been a sound engineer in Hollywood for 16 years and everything in this video should be absolutely studied by people that are just starting out. Great video!

[@JonathanGalle]

This guy is using a lot of older/budget equipment. he doesn't have a massive console, he doesn't have racks and racks of gear, but.... he really knows what he's doing!! His tips are far more valuable then half the crap coming out on youtube these days. Especially his tips on mic placement and usage, I can't tell you how many people abuse mics because of a video or two that they saw where the singers right up on top of the mic.

[@davidshanhun]

hehe yep! I'll take the guy with understanding over the guy with the latest gear personally 😉

[@magrumb]

A lot of studios have big consoles and racks of gear because the client wants to see them. You’d be surprised how much stuff isn’t hooked up!

[@lee3144]

i agree totally hes down to earth you dont get that often

[@GroovyInclinations]

Thank you for sharing. It makes the research easier when people share their input.

[@artale4404]

I would like to add for some people that may not know is the mic you use will have a big effect on issues. For those that always use a condenser mic that mic will pick up a huge amount of the room. Try using a dynamic mic which will keep room noise very low especially if you have untreated room. In fact there are times that the vocal quality and tone of a singer can benefit more from a dynamic mic than a condenser or ribbon. Expensive mics don't mean the right match to the singer. Many hit songs on vocals were recorded on a less expensive dynamic mic. I hope this helps

[@georgesid5632]

This guy is so clear and lucid in his explanations. He explains everything so well. He would make a brilliant teacher. He doesn't waffle on and really gets to the point. I also like the way he conducts himself. Excellent video!

[@davidshanhun]

he's awesome eh!

[@prattzensings]

years of solid experience, amazing teaching skills, and still uses the humble old NT1. Speaks volumes of the guy, and also about the so-called YT influencers who try to push expensive gear for nothing.

[@kevinstuart5105]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm grateful to have had an opportunity to stand on your shoulders.

[@johnkscott4781]

This was a fantastic interview! Mike looks like a fun guy to talk to!

[@russeljamesjardiolin5579]

This is the most clear and detailed explanation how to improve my room recordings. Thanks. Two thumbs up 👍👍

[@davidshanhun]

Glad it was helpful! 👌 All the best with the new recordings!

[@komet1536]

Every minute of this video was worth to watch. Many thanks.

[@davidshanhun]

Appreciate the comment and trust you got some ace new skills for your recordings!

[@derekwaters6086]

I like the cadence in your approach when you speak about music production. Your delivery is very philosophical. I like that shit

[@MrMindmist]

When we talk about style over substance this guy is exactly the reverse. not flashy , not showy not full of himself but what he is saying is absolute gold dust. sensible advice and making 100% sense. I like the cut of his jib !

[@kevc6115]

Best half an hour I've spent regarding vocal recording. Thank you!

[@davidshanhun]

awesome!

[@mariojosepr]

Best video ever about this topic. Answered so many of my burning questions as a guy with a deeper voice with proximity issues. Thanks a million. I am grateful!

[@TheFinalRevelation2]

Excellent tutorial. Hats off.

[@davidshanhun]

Cheers!

[@TheJberrie]

This was fantastic. Big-time thanks for being so generous with your knowledge!

[@davidshanhun]

Mike's one of the most genuine and generous people in the industry. So happy to be able to share this info with you all. Hope lots of awesome music gets created from it :)

[@asimnicholsmusic]

Love this. Simple, clear, and extremely useful. Thanks guys!

[@davidshanhun]

awesome. Glad you got so much out of it 👌

[@DaveHutchinsonSW]

Nice interview and useful, down-to-earth information. Mike is definitely the real deal and the demos on his website sound great. And the sound wasn't all that bad considering it was from a camera--you were both clear and loud enough. Best wishes for 2021.

[@user-hn5qv2bi8b]

This is literally the most in depth and least intimidating educational video on mic placement and vocal takes. Thank you. Home studio gal here!

[@davidshanhun]

yay! Happy recording!!

[@JayaLove]

Agreed!!

[@JayaLove]

He somehow is able to break it down for total beginners without talking down to anyone. Really a master w no ego and an obvious love for his craft.

[@ianmclean5541]

Thanks so much guys. Your guest is a wealth of audio wisdom. This was very helpful.

[@davidshanhun]

He is indeed! Super glad to hear it was helpful to you! 😊

[@nathanwahl9224]

Tremendously helpful, thank you!!! I'm working on my first multi-tracking acapella arrangement, and I learned a ton!

[@davidshanhun]

ooh cool! Let me know when you get it up - I love hearing this kind of stuff!

[@MrTimdriver]

Years of practical experience on this, thank you for sharing.

[@davidshanhun]

🥰

[@joceleicirilosoaresbohrer2994]

Well put and very clarifying comments. And David, your kind, and I would say, humble attitude, was very nice and appropriate. Than you both!

[@davidshanhun]

Thank you 😊

[@hummarstraful]

One of the best videos on the subject I've found.

[@arindambharadwaz8702]

Excellent tips and advices, the very best I have ever come across. Really thankful to both of you for bringing up the topic for the benefit of the viewers. Please address similar issues in future.

[@sonalsethi98]

After watching soooo many videos- this answered all of my questions and so brilliantly! Thank you!!

[@davidshanhun]

Awesome! So glad it helped!

[@matrixprogrock]

Great interview. Very helpful. And reinforced some of what I've learned the hard way.

[@davidshanhun]

awesome!

[@kurlin97]

This was incredible. I have had a horrible time with low end on my vocals. This was a God-send. Thanks to both of you!!

[@davidshanhun]

So happy to hear this! Happy recording 😊

[@dmra1929]

Probably the cleanest, most down to earth and informative video and explanation of technique that I've ever seen. Learned a lot from this, thank you very much :)

[@davidshanhun]

awesome!

[@jasonbodden8816]

A whole lot of helpful content in under half hour. Fantastic vid.

[@davidshanhun]

Mike is a legend!

[@stelioskyprou6427]

What a pro, such a humble dude. Great advice =)

[@brettdavid]

Absolute ""dynamite useful info"" thanks Dave Shanhun and Mike McCarthy - much love! Thanks for the production time and share Dave.

[@davidshanhun]

Cheers Brett! So glad it's useful to you mate that's why we made it! :) Are you recording much at the moment?

[@brettdavid]

Last project was 'in studio' so all this was taken care of - I have a few personal projects - just trying to lift the presentation quality - they're still sketches per say - but I would like them to be best as possible for sound --- still learning - but that vid was very (very) useful. One of my traps - which you guys touched on for sound quality (but is a biggie for sound consistency) is 'mike position' - and how critical it is to maintain that position through the 'whole tracking' (lol) ... so here's me moving head/voice around the mike too much - coming at it from different angle during a single track/take (you know if you stop and re record a piece - theres a real need to get back to the exact same position) a minor change in voice angle can drastically alter the sound recorded - and can be very difficult to mix into an existing take.

[@vecxxmusic]

Thanks for such a clear explanation. You're an excellent professional and taught us great tips to improve our productions. Thx dudes!!

[@jenshaley556]

Thanks for this very well explained list of „dont‘ts“, and why you shouldn’t do them. It’d have taken me a lot of time to figure that out myself!

[@linovinn7011]

A real great explanation in half an hour. Thank you so very much. I knew about popps, sibilance and so on, already. But all the little hints alongside are precious for me. Greeting to New Zealand from Germany and keep healthy in this Corona age ... ;-)

[@BibleBeltBlues]

Fantastic..............don't need to watch any other video..........this one has it all........great job!

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks and happy recording!

[@SupernovaSun77]

One of the best audio videos of all times

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks. Mike is awesome eh!

[@ProperJohnmusic]

agreed

[@SupernovaSun77]

David Shanhun he really is

[@dopeydad1221]

Absolute gold dust! All very clearly explained. Subscribed

[@davidshanhun]

Cheers for joining and happy recording!

[@L-I-V-I-N]

Fantastically explained, and your knowledge is so valuable! Cheers from Florida.

[@davidshanhun]

Mike is a legend eh! 👌

[@scaramouche11]

Thanks for this awesome video! I benefit so much of it. Nothing is better than to listen and learn from a real professional!

[@ksmit]

Outstanding and informative interview. Thank you...subbed

[@josephformeister6566]

Gained so much information from this video. I appreciate his focus on the simpler ideas, and wealth of experience.

[@davidshanhun]

awesome Joseph! 👌

[@guitarjonn7103]

Fantastic post David. Thanks so much. I needed this badly.

[@geraldgorham6878]

humble knowledgeable guy I love it

[@davidshanhun]

yep that's Mike! 😊

[@paul7188]

Great video David - I really appreciate hearing the advice from somone actively "in the business". I just found your channel (after buying a basic loop pedal) and am enjoying going through your previous videos. Great stuff - keep it up!. Cheers form Perth WA

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks Woodlake! Where abouts in Perth are you? (I was born about 5 hours from you in Albany, WA!)

[@paul7188]

@@davidshanhun Awesome! I'm NOR in Ellenbrook (near the Swan Valley). I managed to get over to NZ a few months back with the family - had a great time. Lovely place. Great job on the channel - some great content. You really deserve a larger following - I'm sure it will come :)

[@davidshanhun]

ah nice! That's cool you got over here for a trip! We both have some pretty magic spots here and in Oz eh? Cheers about the channel - very much appreciate the comments and encouragement!

[@michaelkelly6583]

I really enjoyed this interview - and learned a few things too. Thank you.

[@davidshanhun]

awesome!

[@jfxsarmiento]

Congrats on the video! Here is a clear example of how important and valuable is EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE! All the best!

[@davidshanhun]

haha yep - Mike knows his stuff!

[@MeredithHooke]

This was an excellent video - covering so many issues with recording at home with easy-to-understand solutions. Thank you!

[@Lovis68]

That was so illuminating!

[@mattb1568]

The interviewer would be me. Lol He looks like he loves listening and learning about this stuff.

[@davidshanhun]

it's gold 😍

[@EnV1ndAvSorg]

Yeah, his eyes is still like 20 years old

[@arqmark]

Great recommendations. Thanks!

[@oliviergolfier1456]

Thanks Mike for these Clear explainations about recording tricks

[@davidshanhun]

👌

[@cmlcovers2693]

What an excellent informative video! Thank you!

[@davidshanhun]

Glad it was helpful to you! 👌

[@twinsprucestudios]

Excellent advice!! Spot on explanation of issues and solutions.

[@LennySugiono]

The sibilance thing is a great refresher, loved that example where the “see” is getting ducked. It’s unknowingly something I hear in most songs but have never picked up on.

[@AnnaPearlMusic]

I'm just starting out and this was so, so, so, so, SO helpful :') THANK YOU!

[@davidshanhun]

Awesome Anna! Happy recording!

[@joebuckley9181]

Thanks Mike, God Bless!

[@swanebrokendeep]

fantastic video thanks to you David and big thanks to Mike!

[@lisachaly]

Excellent explanation of the problems and how to correct them!! Thank you for this :)

[@kakuro1975]

Very nice advice for a beginner like myself! Thank you for that! Really nice of you to give such professional advice for free

[@davidshanhun]

Glad you got so much value from it John! Happy recording!

[@TK-vh5pv]

this video is absolutely amazing! SO MUCH GOOD INFO! Especially since making music is hobby for me rather than a job, I don't have a lot of time to put into studying the technical aspects (even though i would love to dedicate more time), so this video is all gold!! And facinating!

[@davidshanhun]

stoked to hear this and thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy recording!

[@James-bu2rm]

Great work guys! Very helpful indeed.

[@ccjx_space]

Incredibly useful, thank you

[@davidshanhun]

most welcome!

[@goerfton77]

Amazing video, educational and thoroughly enjoyable.

[@mon3im133]

very clear and easy to understand. thank you so much for this detailed explanation

[@davidshanhun]

most welcome :) Happy recording!

[@ROQSTAR]

Great interview with a lot of helpful information for producers!

[@davidshanhun]

Glad it was helpful! 👌

[@LosingMyCool]

Thank you so much for this. I make online video courses and the sound quality is really important to me, I've not been fully satisfied with my audio, but with these tips I am sure it will help a ton, so again thank you!

[@davidshanhun]

awesome! 😊

[@minukdk]

These are some really amazing tips. Thank you!!!

[@davidshanhun]

You're most welcome 😊

[@johannamit4388]

Thanks for the video, a wealth of tips and info.

[@Emcfree2084]

This was really helpful, well done lads

[@davidshanhun]

awesome! 😊

[@tonyedison9749]

This is the most informative video I have watched in the last year on here about music 💪🏽💪🏽😎

[@davidshanhun]

aww love this!

[@afahmid]

Excellent video-learned a lot as a novice.

[@MrCJHamill]

Great advice here. Practical advice that I'm certain will help many artists! Thanks very much.

[@andrashertelendy2779]

I'm really grateful for this video! Finally some extremely useful and practical information! I've been searching a lot on youtube after these kind of videos which are about sharing valuable content rather than chasing views but... thanks to the youtube algorithm these are hard to find. Thanks a lot!

[@davidshanhun]

Glad it was helpful András! Happy recording!

[@waynesguitarchannel9050]

Great video. I’m older and just starting out recording as I want to leave some music around for my kids to pass on after I’m not around anymore. Your tips were a great place to start. Thanks again. I’m now a subscriber….

[@davidshanhun]

hey Wayne! Love this comment and all the best with your recording - what an awesome reason for it! Reach out at any stage if you think I can contribute or you get stuck 😊

[@lifegivesmeheadaches]

Thanks for sharing, this is really helpful

[@jakubmi7879]

The best video about the subject out there thanks for putting it out guys

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks Jakub!

[@joshuaallenzurbano3476]

So much useful info. Thanks a lot!

[@davidshanhun]

Most welcome Joshua!

[@eddyb4622]

Exceptional educational video. Great work gents!

[@davidshanhun]

😊

[@Noob-zi2ce]

This is a great video from a highly experienced man. Thank you.

[@davidshanhun]

Mike is superb! 👌

[@Stackxxable]

So much valuable info!! Great video!

[@bookmakers]

Great tips. explained in a very clear and didactic way. Thanks!!!

[@davidshanhun]

👌

[@gunnarduvenhorst878]

Awesome! There speaks true experience. I like the passion and the no-nonsense, too. Going to try out the mike adjustments first. Would like to see more in the future , learned a lot.

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks Gunnar. A few more videos with Mike in the pipeline 😊

[@NewHeart378]

i watched a lot of tutorials and this one explains well thanks for the video.

[@davidshanhun]

Thanks! :)

[@TheRealestIdealist]

WOW....A LOT of wise advice! My new technique is recording without a pop filter, I like how he explained how to do that!!!

[@davidshanhun]

awesome! Have fun with your new recordings!

[@thebrownfanchannel8277]

Great video and great questions asked. Working on just starting out recording at home. This is great!

[@davidshanhun]

Great timing for checking this out then eh! 😊

[@ianmalam3519]

Thanks Mick you went down to the very detail, I am recording at home so will try your rules. Cheers!

[@davidshanhun]

Let us know how you go!

[@sheldonthomas8431]

Great info, man. I like Mike. He is so real. I don't think he tries to make people feel relax. I am listening to him and I became relaxed. It;'s his personality.

[@shawnm.spicer2530]

Really great usable tips, guys. Many thanks!

[@davidshanhun]

Awesome. Happy recording brother!

[@georgiareneemusic]

Wow this is the best explanation! Thank you

[@davidshanhun]

awesome to hear. Happy recording!! :)

[@chrislj2005]

Awesome, unselfish! Thanks!

[@trizzyxo]

Great engineer and great video!

[@davidshanhun]

Glad you enjoyed it! 👌

[@fletchermusician3365]

Fab video guys very educational, will make sure i angle the mic when recording from now on.. thanks guys

[@davidshanhun]

Nice one! happy recording!

[@GeriWardMusic]

Extremely helpful, although I’ve been a vocalist for many years both live and studio work I’m a total technophobe. I’m not totally happy with home recording results I’ve had so far. This video however is a game changer. Huge thank you to you both.

[@donaldpudas3533]

This is really great stuff as I'm starting out with a cheap, beginner home studio. Thanks for the free advise.

[@davidshanhun]

Most welcome and glad to know we helped you get started!

[@farrukhahmedvideo]

Thank you so much for this video. So much of valuable lessons explained so well!

[@davidshanhun]

Glad it was helpful! 👌

[@HiddenMeadowMus]

Great advice...for those who will actually take heed.

[@davidshanhun]

this! 👌

[@kennyfitzgerald4377]

Excellent video! Very useful information and easy to understand explanation. Thank you!

[@davidshanhun]

Glad it was useful to you Kenny! 😊

[@tyronedaniels9631]

Thanks to both of you 🙏 this is a really awesome video.

[@davidshanhun]

Cheers Tyrone 😊 Happy recording!

[@jessicabenini]

What an awesome video! Thank you!

[@davidshanhun]

happy recording! 🥰